@CSEWhy Times - Feb 18, 2026
1. DPDP Act, RTI Amendment & Press Freedom - SC Constitutional Review
What happened
• Three PILs challenge constitutionality of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 in Supreme Court
• Filed by NCPRI, Venkatesh Nayak, and The Reporters’ Collective
• SC referred matter to five-judge Constitution Bench; no interim stay
Issue raised
• Section 44(3) amends RTI Act Section 8(1)(j), removing public interest override for personal information
• Alleged violation of proportionality test (Puttaswamy, 2017)
• Journalists may be treated as “data fiduciaries” requiring consent
• Section 36 allows Centre to seek data; termed vague and unchecked
• Concerns over independence of Data Protection Board
Current context
• Earlier RTI allowed disclosure if larger public interest justified
• DPDP Act prescribes penalties up to ₹250 crore
• Data Protection Board to enforce Act; no appellate review against Centre’s orders cited
Why it matters
• Impact on RTI framework and investigative journalism
• Possible chilling effect due to compliance burden and penalties
• Expands executive data-access powers
• Raises issues of privacy–transparency balance and institutional autonomy
Indian Express 🗞
1. Delhi and Paris reach out across traditional divides, advocate third way.
(A must read for IR)
The Hindu 📰
1. The new world disorder, from rules to might.
(Read this article slowly)
2. Taxes prove futile to burn out cigarette use in India.
(Important read especially for Mains)
Pre & Mains Notes
1. DPDP Act, RTI Amendment & Press Freedom - SC Constitutional Review
What happened
• Three PILs challenge constitutionality of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 in Supreme Court
• Filed by NCPRI, Venkatesh Nayak, and The Reporters’ Collective
• SC referred matter to five-judge Constitution Bench; no interim stay
Issue raised
• Section 44(3) amends RTI Act Section 8(1)(j), removing public interest override for personal information
• Alleged violation of proportionality test (Puttaswamy, 2017)
• Journalists may be treated as “data fiduciaries” requiring consent
• Section 36 allows Centre to seek data; termed vague and unchecked
• Concerns over independence of Data Protection Board
Current context
• Earlier RTI allowed disclosure if larger public interest justified
• DPDP Act prescribes penalties up to ₹250 crore
• Data Protection Board to enforce Act; no appellate review against Centre’s orders cited
Why it matters
• Impact on RTI framework and investigative journalism
• Possible chilling effect due to compliance burden and penalties
• Expands executive data-access powers
• Raises issues of privacy–transparency balance and institutional autonomy
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
1. Delhi and Paris reach out across traditional divides, advocate third way.
(A must read for IR)
The Hindu 📰
1. The new world disorder, from rules to might.
(Read this article slowly)
2. Taxes prove futile to burn out cigarette use in India.
(Important read especially for Mains)
❤9
Everyone is sharing this #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026 logo,
But do you know what it actually represents?👀
But do you know what it actually represents?👀
😍6❤2
@CSEWhy Times - Feb 19, 2026
NA
Indian Express 🗞
1. Nicobar project’s strategic & ecological consequences.
(Important read for GS-2 and GS-3)
2. When SC reviews 2018 Sabarimala ruling, the issues on the table.
(A good read for GS-2)
3. Maharashtra’s 5% Muslim quota: Legally greenlit, never availed of.
(Just basic read for awareness)
The Hindu 📰
1. New rootstocks promise better apple yields for Kashmir farms.
(Just skim through it for basic contextual understanding)
2. The need for diversity in the judiciary.
(Beautifully written article)
3. Are Indian firms intent on moving to Venezuelan oil?.
(Read it for understanding the current developments)
Pre & Mains Notes
NA
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
1. Nicobar project’s strategic & ecological consequences.
(Important read for GS-2 and GS-3)
2. When SC reviews 2018 Sabarimala ruling, the issues on the table.
(A good read for GS-2)
3. Maharashtra’s 5% Muslim quota: Legally greenlit, never availed of.
(Just basic read for awareness)
The Hindu 📰
1. New rootstocks promise better apple yields for Kashmir farms.
(Just skim through it for basic contextual understanding)
2. The need for diversity in the judiciary.
(Beautifully written article)
3. Are Indian firms intent on moving to Venezuelan oil?.
(Read it for understanding the current developments)
❤5
I have spent decent time at AI summit (going again tomorrow) and everyone I have met speaks about how distribution is now the only moat, code/engineering resources are reducing on the balance sheet
I had some realizations:
- I started CSEWhy as a random side gig as an aspirant. Now an audience of 4 lac+ across internet
- Whatever I want to test (any tech product), it barely takes 24 hour to have first 1000+ testers
- On this journey, I had 3 events where I could have walked away with a lot of money by selling what we now call 'distribution'
Idk what in me kept saying no but with AI, I am certainly glad I did not! There's so much more to do with audience in any niche than JUST money.
Time to build great products with strong ethics for UPSC aspirants. Let's all win, together.
I had some realizations:
- I started CSEWhy as a random side gig as an aspirant. Now an audience of 4 lac+ across internet
- Whatever I want to test (any tech product), it barely takes 24 hour to have first 1000+ testers
- On this journey, I had 3 events where I could have walked away with a lot of money by selling what we now call 'distribution'
Idk what in me kept saying no but with AI, I am certainly glad I did not! There's so much more to do with audience in any niche than JUST money.
Time to build great products with strong ethics for UPSC aspirants. Let's all win, together.
❤36😍6
@CSEWhy Times - Feb 20, 2026
1. ISRO fire-detection algorithm
What happened
• ISRO to test modified algorithm for monitoring farm fires during rabi (wheat) harvest
• Pilot to assess improved accuracy in fire detection
Issue raised
• Satellite data not accurately capturing number and extent of farm fires
• Peak burning time shift leading to under-detection
• Mismatch between satellite imagery and ground reports
Current context
• CAQM extended farm fire monitoring to rabi season
• 2023 wheat season: 10,207 fires (Punjab), 1,832 (Haryana), 259 (UP-NCR)
• Fire data based on Terra/Aqua MODIS and Suomi-NPP VIIRS
• States directed to implement Action Plans for wheat stubble elimination (2026)
Why it matters
• Stubble burning linked to seasonal PM2.5 spike in Delhi-NCR
• Better detection strengthens enforcement and air pollution control
• Enhances tech-based environmental governance
---
2. Gold demand and economy
What happened
• Gold ETF inflows reached record 15.52 tonnes in Jan 2026
• Inflows ₹4,040 crore; 22% of gold imports
• Gold imports pushed goods trade deficit near $35 billion
Issue raised
• Rising gold investments increasing import dependence
• Pressure on trade deficit and capital outflow concerns
Current context
• Shift in household savings toward mutual funds and ETFs
• Silver ETFs formed 52% of silver imports
• Sovereign Gold Bond scheme discontinued in 2024
Why it matters
• Gold imports impact current account balance
• Household savings patterns affect macroeconomic stability
• Policy implications for gold monetisation and external sector management
Indian Express 🗞
None today
The Hindu 📰
1. How do graphics processing units work?
(Read this article for basic context only)
2. Sleep deprivation and the toll it takes on your brain, body.
(V.Important article to read)
3. Why begin-early mantra is a key prevention strategy in dentistry.
(Read this for awareness)
Pre & Mains Notes
1. ISRO fire-detection algorithm
What happened
• ISRO to test modified algorithm for monitoring farm fires during rabi (wheat) harvest
• Pilot to assess improved accuracy in fire detection
Issue raised
• Satellite data not accurately capturing number and extent of farm fires
• Peak burning time shift leading to under-detection
• Mismatch between satellite imagery and ground reports
Current context
• CAQM extended farm fire monitoring to rabi season
• 2023 wheat season: 10,207 fires (Punjab), 1,832 (Haryana), 259 (UP-NCR)
• Fire data based on Terra/Aqua MODIS and Suomi-NPP VIIRS
• States directed to implement Action Plans for wheat stubble elimination (2026)
Why it matters
• Stubble burning linked to seasonal PM2.5 spike in Delhi-NCR
• Better detection strengthens enforcement and air pollution control
• Enhances tech-based environmental governance
---
2. Gold demand and economy
What happened
• Gold ETF inflows reached record 15.52 tonnes in Jan 2026
• Inflows ₹4,040 crore; 22% of gold imports
• Gold imports pushed goods trade deficit near $35 billion
Issue raised
• Rising gold investments increasing import dependence
• Pressure on trade deficit and capital outflow concerns
Current context
• Shift in household savings toward mutual funds and ETFs
• Silver ETFs formed 52% of silver imports
• Sovereign Gold Bond scheme discontinued in 2024
Why it matters
• Gold imports impact current account balance
• Household savings patterns affect macroeconomic stability
• Policy implications for gold monetisation and external sector management
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
None today
The Hindu 📰
1. How do graphics processing units work?
(Read this article for basic context only)
2. Sleep deprivation and the toll it takes on your brain, body.
(V.Important article to read)
3. Why begin-early mantra is a key prevention strategy in dentistry.
(Read this for awareness)
❤6
Friends, I am ready to launch my AI FOR UPSC Aspirants course
It's to help you with both:
- AI in UPSC Prep
- To upskill and make money on the side with UPSC Prep
Opening a wait list form to help you be early adopter
Fill this form if you'd want to sign up for the course with 'Early Bird' Discount
Link to form: https://forms.gle/hGx34mCDqExC23za9
It's to help you with both:
- AI in UPSC Prep
- To upskill and make money on the side with UPSC Prep
Opening a wait list form to help you be early adopter
Fill this form if you'd want to sign up for the course with 'Early Bird' Discount
Link to form: https://forms.gle/hGx34mCDqExC23za9
❤9
These lowkey maps from Newspapers gives you extra marks in exam,
Some places in news from map
Indira Point
• Southernmost tip of India (Great Nicobar).
• Near Six Degree Channel (strategic sea route).
• Subsided after 2004 tsunami.
Galathea Bay
• SE coast of Great Nicobar.
• Leatherback turtle nesting site.
• Proposed transshipment port site.
Campbell Bay National Park
• North Great Nicobar.
• Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
• Tropical evergreen forests.
Galathea National Park
• South Great Nicobar.
• Part of Biosphere Reserve.
• Mangroves & turtle habitat.
Save this for #UPSCPRELIMS2026
Some places in news from map
Indira Point
• Southernmost tip of India (Great Nicobar).
• Near Six Degree Channel (strategic sea route).
• Subsided after 2004 tsunami.
Galathea Bay
• SE coast of Great Nicobar.
• Leatherback turtle nesting site.
• Proposed transshipment port site.
Campbell Bay National Park
• North Great Nicobar.
• Part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
• Tropical evergreen forests.
Galathea National Park
• South Great Nicobar.
• Part of Biosphere Reserve.
• Mangroves & turtle habitat.
Save this for #UPSCPRELIMS2026
❤18🐳1
@CSEWhy Times - Feb 21, 2026
1. IIT-M Blood Clotting Measurement Technique
What happened
• IIT-Madras patented an optics-based method to measure blood clotting time on implant surfaces
• Technique tracks change in reflected light; triggers voltage shift in photodetector
Issue raised
• Existing clot-testing methods lack precision
• Ongoing challenge of thrombosis in biomedical devices
• Need for accurate haemocompatibility testing
Current context
• Surface turbidity during clotting alters reflectivity
• Voltage change corresponds to clotting time (measured in milliseconds)
• Industry discussions for material screening; potential use in water purity testing
Why it matters
• Enables quantitative screening of implant materials
• May reduce clot-related patient risks
• Supports better post-surgery anticoagulation planning
---
2. US–Iran Tensions and Oil Supply
What happened
• Oil prices hit six-month high amid US–Iran tensions
• Brent crude crossed $71 per barrel
Issue raised
• Risk of disruption via Strait of Hormuz
• Exposure of major importers like India to price rise
Current context
• Strait handles ~20% of global petroleum and LNG trade
• ~40% of India’s crude imports pass through it
• $1 price rise may raise India’s annual import bill by ~$2 billion
• Alternative Gulf pipelines have limited capacity
Why it matters
• Energy security concerns for India
• Higher import bill and macroeconomic pressure
• Strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz in global oil trade
Indian Express 🗞
1. 94.5% survival in childhood cancer, says study; flags late risks.
(Important article on health)
2. With Pax Silica, India gets a seat at the table.
(A nice editorial to read about current events)
The Hindu 📰
1. ‘As dynamic economies, India, Brazil can’t remain distant’.
(Important article for GS-2,IR)
Pre & Mains Notes
1. IIT-M Blood Clotting Measurement Technique
What happened
• IIT-Madras patented an optics-based method to measure blood clotting time on implant surfaces
• Technique tracks change in reflected light; triggers voltage shift in photodetector
Issue raised
• Existing clot-testing methods lack precision
• Ongoing challenge of thrombosis in biomedical devices
• Need for accurate haemocompatibility testing
Current context
• Surface turbidity during clotting alters reflectivity
• Voltage change corresponds to clotting time (measured in milliseconds)
• Industry discussions for material screening; potential use in water purity testing
Why it matters
• Enables quantitative screening of implant materials
• May reduce clot-related patient risks
• Supports better post-surgery anticoagulation planning
---
2. US–Iran Tensions and Oil Supply
What happened
• Oil prices hit six-month high amid US–Iran tensions
• Brent crude crossed $71 per barrel
Issue raised
• Risk of disruption via Strait of Hormuz
• Exposure of major importers like India to price rise
Current context
• Strait handles ~20% of global petroleum and LNG trade
• ~40% of India’s crude imports pass through it
• $1 price rise may raise India’s annual import bill by ~$2 billion
• Alternative Gulf pipelines have limited capacity
Why it matters
• Energy security concerns for India
• Higher import bill and macroeconomic pressure
• Strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz in global oil trade
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
1. 94.5% survival in childhood cancer, says study; flags late risks.
(Important article on health)
2. With Pax Silica, India gets a seat at the table.
(A nice editorial to read about current events)
The Hindu 📰
1. ‘As dynamic economies, India, Brazil can’t remain distant’.
(Important article for GS-2,IR)
❤7
@CSEWhy Times - Feb 22, 2026
1. Indigenous Td Vaccine under UIP
What happened
• Indigenously developed Tetanus–adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine launched at CRI, Kasauli.
• Introduced under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP); 55 lakh doses to be supplied initially.
Issue raised
• Strengthening national health security through domestic vaccine production.
• Upgradation of public sector units under GMP standards.
Current context
• India highlighted as major global vaccine manufacturer.
• UIP provides 11 vaccines against 12 diseases.
Why it matters
• Boosts self-reliance in immunisation.
• Strengthens public health infrastructure.
---
2. India–Brazil Critical Minerals & Trade Cooperation
What happened
• Agreements signed on rare earths, critical minerals and steel mining.
• Plan to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030; digital partnership action plan launched.
Issue raised
• Dependence on concentrated critical mineral supply chains.
• Trade uncertainty amid U.S. tariff measures.
Current context
• U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on India and Brazil in 2025.
• Expanded cooperation in defence, energy, healthcare and agriculture.
Why it matters
• Diversifies mineral supply chains.
• Strengthens Global South economic partnership.
---
3. AI Impact Summit & New Delhi Declaration
What happened
• 88 countries signed New Delhi Declaration at AI Impact Summit, New Delhi.
• $250 billion investment commitments; $20 billion for frontier deep tech.
• Launch of domestically trained LLM by Sarvam AI.
Issue raised
• Democratic diffusion of AI and inclusion of under-represented languages.
• Ensuring safe and trusted AI systems.
Current context
• Declaration voluntary and non-binding.
• Initiatives include Global AI Impact Commons and AI Workforce Development Playbook.
Why it matters
• Positions India in global AI governance.
• Promotes AI-driven economic and social development.
---
4. Early-Maturing Wheat Varieties in Kashmir
What happened
• SKUAST-K developed Shalimar Wheat-3 and Shalimar Wheat-4.
• Early maturity (late May–early June) aligns with paddy transplantation.
Issue raised
• Late-maturing wheat disrupted rice-wheat rotation.
• Yellow rust disease affecting yields.
Current context
• Developed through conventional breeding and multi-site trials.
• Resistant to yellow rust; SW-3 biofortified with iron and zinc.
Why it matters
• Ensures timely crop cycle and food security.
• Enhances disease resistance and farmer resilience.
Indian Express 🗞
None today
The Hindu 📰
1. Why has eastern Nagaland got autonomy?
(Decent article to read)
2. The curious case of the star that may have swallowed itself.
(Important article for S&T)
3. Deal in deep water - Chagos Islands.
(Read it for understanding geopolitics)
Pre & Mains Notes
1. Indigenous Td Vaccine under UIP
What happened
• Indigenously developed Tetanus–adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine launched at CRI, Kasauli.
• Introduced under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP); 55 lakh doses to be supplied initially.
Issue raised
• Strengthening national health security through domestic vaccine production.
• Upgradation of public sector units under GMP standards.
Current context
• India highlighted as major global vaccine manufacturer.
• UIP provides 11 vaccines against 12 diseases.
Why it matters
• Boosts self-reliance in immunisation.
• Strengthens public health infrastructure.
---
2. India–Brazil Critical Minerals & Trade Cooperation
What happened
• Agreements signed on rare earths, critical minerals and steel mining.
• Plan to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030; digital partnership action plan launched.
Issue raised
• Dependence on concentrated critical mineral supply chains.
• Trade uncertainty amid U.S. tariff measures.
Current context
• U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on India and Brazil in 2025.
• Expanded cooperation in defence, energy, healthcare and agriculture.
Why it matters
• Diversifies mineral supply chains.
• Strengthens Global South economic partnership.
---
3. AI Impact Summit & New Delhi Declaration
What happened
• 88 countries signed New Delhi Declaration at AI Impact Summit, New Delhi.
• $250 billion investment commitments; $20 billion for frontier deep tech.
• Launch of domestically trained LLM by Sarvam AI.
Issue raised
• Democratic diffusion of AI and inclusion of under-represented languages.
• Ensuring safe and trusted AI systems.
Current context
• Declaration voluntary and non-binding.
• Initiatives include Global AI Impact Commons and AI Workforce Development Playbook.
Why it matters
• Positions India in global AI governance.
• Promotes AI-driven economic and social development.
---
4. Early-Maturing Wheat Varieties in Kashmir
What happened
• SKUAST-K developed Shalimar Wheat-3 and Shalimar Wheat-4.
• Early maturity (late May–early June) aligns with paddy transplantation.
Issue raised
• Late-maturing wheat disrupted rice-wheat rotation.
• Yellow rust disease affecting yields.
Current context
• Developed through conventional breeding and multi-site trials.
• Resistant to yellow rust; SW-3 biofortified with iron and zinc.
Why it matters
• Ensures timely crop cycle and food security.
• Enhances disease resistance and farmer resilience.
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
None today
The Hindu 📰
1. Why has eastern Nagaland got autonomy?
(Decent article to read)
2. The curious case of the star that may have swallowed itself.
(Important article for S&T)
3. Deal in deep water - Chagos Islands.
(Read it for understanding geopolitics)
❤4
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kBVjmD8YP4nsSNigZd1V7LLSfT7KkwIOCHZf1hB92Js/edit?usp=sharing
Compiled 5 prompts from my viral X thread in a single place. Download this as a PDF and use the prompts.
Compiled 5 prompts from my viral X thread in a single place. Download this as a PDF and use the prompts.
Google Docs
CSEWhy Prompts | Win Prelims2026
CSEWhy Prompts | Win Prelims2026 1. PYQs Analyzer Give it last 10 year GS1 & CSAT paper (compilation PDF of both on my Telegram) and paste this prompt: Prompt: "You are a UPSC expert with expertise in clearing 6 UPSC Prelims back to back scoring in…
❤2
@CSEWhy Times - Feb 23, 2026
1. New CPI Base (2024) & Clearer Inflation Signal
What happened
• CPI (General Combined) base year revised to 2024 (index = 100)
• CPI at 104.46 in Jan 2026
• Basket reorganised into 12 categories (COICOP 2018)
• Food weight reduced; housing & services weight increased
• Rural housing and utilities explicitly included
• Telangana (5%) highest; followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka
Issue raised
• Earlier CPI undercaptured service and non-food inflation
• Aggregated service head reduced price visibility
• State-level consumption differences not fully reflected
• Need to separate food volatility from persistent service inflation
Current context
• Inflation measured year-on-year; CPI reflects price level vs base year
• Based on updated Household Consumption Expenditure Survey data
• Services-intensive States showing higher inflation
• Data sourced from MoSPI
Why it matters
• Clearer signal of service-driven inflation
• Better identification of persistent price pressures
• Key input for RBI’s interest-rate decisions
• Improved State-level inflation assessment
Indian Express 🗞
1. Whole explained section.
(All articles are important read)
2. SC ruling on use of stem cells for autism sets a precedent for healthcare regulation.
(Imp article for GS-3)
The Hindu 📰
1. Complete Text and Context section.
(All articles are decent read)
2. How proteins are being tweaked to be quantum sensors inside the body.
(Imp article for S&T)
Pre & Mains Notes
1. New CPI Base (2024) & Clearer Inflation Signal
What happened
• CPI (General Combined) base year revised to 2024 (index = 100)
• CPI at 104.46 in Jan 2026
• Basket reorganised into 12 categories (COICOP 2018)
• Food weight reduced; housing & services weight increased
• Rural housing and utilities explicitly included
• Telangana (5%) highest; followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka
Issue raised
• Earlier CPI undercaptured service and non-food inflation
• Aggregated service head reduced price visibility
• State-level consumption differences not fully reflected
• Need to separate food volatility from persistent service inflation
Current context
• Inflation measured year-on-year; CPI reflects price level vs base year
• Based on updated Household Consumption Expenditure Survey data
• Services-intensive States showing higher inflation
• Data sourced from MoSPI
Why it matters
• Clearer signal of service-driven inflation
• Better identification of persistent price pressures
• Key input for RBI’s interest-rate decisions
• Improved State-level inflation assessment
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
1. Whole explained section.
(All articles are important read)
2. SC ruling on use of stem cells for autism sets a precedent for healthcare regulation.
(Imp article for GS-3)
The Hindu 📰
1. Complete Text and Context section.
(All articles are decent read)
2. How proteins are being tweaked to be quantum sensors inside the body.
(Imp article for S&T)
❤9
Last date to apply for #UPSC tomorrow
If you’re not done yet, don’t wait for Feb 24, finish it today.
Last minute rush will cause high traffic and may not function well
If you’re not done yet, don’t wait for Feb 24, finish it today.
Last minute rush will cause high traffic and may not function well
👌2
@CSEWhy Times - Feb 24, 2026
1. National Counter Terrorism Policy (PRAHAAR)
What happened
• MHA released India’s first National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy — PRAHAAR
• Details threat profile, counter-terror strategy and roles of key agencies
Issue raised
• Sponsored terrorism from across borders
• Use of cyber-attacks, drones, encryption, dark web, crypto,by state and non-state actors
• Risk of access to CBRN(Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials
• Need for uniform anti-terror structure across States
Current context
• Drafting announced Nov 2024; released after April 2025 Pahalgam attack
• NIA coordinated with State anti-terror units
• Emphasis on national + international cooperation
Why it matters
• Aims to criminalise all terror acts; block funds, weapons, safe havens
• Protects critical sectors: power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space, atomic energy
• Focus on counter-radicalisation and legal strengthening
---
2. India & Global Pesticide Toxicity
What happened
• Study (Science) finds India among four countries contributing ~70% of global pesticide toxicity (TAT)
• 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference target: 50% pesticide risk reduction by 2030
Issue raised
• Rising global toxicity (2013–2019)
• Major impact on terrestrial arthropods, soil organisms, aquatic life
• Misuse/overuse; outdated regulation (Insecticides Act, 1968)
Current context
• India, China, Brazil, U.S. are largest contributors
• Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 to replace 1968 Act
• Push for biological and traditional-knowledge-based pesticides
Why it matters
• Biodiversity and ecosystem risks
• Need for regulatory reform and liability framework
• Importance of monitoring and reporting pesticide use
Indian Express 🗞
1. All articles of Explained section.
(Important articles for exam)
The Hindu 📰
1. India’s Energy Shift Through the Green Ammonia Route.
(Important article for GS-3)
Pre & Mains Notes
1. National Counter Terrorism Policy (PRAHAAR)
What happened
• MHA released India’s first National Counter Terrorism Policy and Strategy — PRAHAAR
• Details threat profile, counter-terror strategy and roles of key agencies
Issue raised
• Sponsored terrorism from across borders
• Use of cyber-attacks, drones, encryption, dark web, crypto,by state and non-state actors
• Risk of access to CBRN(Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital) materials
• Need for uniform anti-terror structure across States
Current context
• Drafting announced Nov 2024; released after April 2025 Pahalgam attack
• NIA coordinated with State anti-terror units
• Emphasis on national + international cooperation
Why it matters
• Aims to criminalise all terror acts; block funds, weapons, safe havens
• Protects critical sectors: power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space, atomic energy
• Focus on counter-radicalisation and legal strengthening
---
2. India & Global Pesticide Toxicity
What happened
• Study (Science) finds India among four countries contributing ~70% of global pesticide toxicity (TAT)
• 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference target: 50% pesticide risk reduction by 2030
Issue raised
• Rising global toxicity (2013–2019)
• Major impact on terrestrial arthropods, soil organisms, aquatic life
• Misuse/overuse; outdated regulation (Insecticides Act, 1968)
Current context
• India, China, Brazil, U.S. are largest contributors
• Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 to replace 1968 Act
• Push for biological and traditional-knowledge-based pesticides
Why it matters
• Biodiversity and ecosystem risks
• Need for regulatory reform and liability framework
• Importance of monitoring and reporting pesticide use
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express 🗞
1. All articles of Explained section.
(Important articles for exam)
The Hindu 📰
1. India’s Energy Shift Through the Green Ammonia Route.
(Important article for GS-3)
❤13
Please reply to this tweet if you're affected by this issue
do tag Ajay Sir.
Link: https://x.com/CseWhy/status/2026224559511441553
do tag Ajay Sir.
Link: https://x.com/CseWhy/status/2026224559511441553
💯5🕊2🏆2
UPSC CSE Why
Please reply to this tweet if you're affected by this issue do tag Ajay Sir. Link: https://x.com/CseWhy/status/2026224559511441553
[Big Update on UPSC CSE Application🚨]
Last date of submission of form is now February 27 by 6pm
Last date of submission of form is now February 27 by 6pm
😘11❤6👏2
Kerala to Keralam, name change is under which Article of Indian Constitution?